ECI REC Celebrates National Cooperative Month

October is National Cooperative Month, and ECI REC—and all co-ops across the U.S.—are celebrating the benefits and values that cooperatives bring to their members and communities.

While co-ops operate in many industries and sectors of the economy, seven cooperative principles set us apart from other businesses: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training, and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community.

“Today, people prefer options and alternatives to ‘big box’ businesses,” said Steve Marlow, ECI REC CEO. “The co-op business model is unique and rooted in our local communities. Co-ops help us build a more participatory, sustainable, and resilient economy.”

ECI REC is proud to be part of America’s cooperative network, which includes more than 900 electric cooperatives, public utility districts, and public power districts serving 42 million people in 47 states.